Burke, wearing a grey T-shirt and with facial hair and tattoos showing on his left arm, spoke to confirm his name, age and address.

He also told the court his nationality was white British.

No bail application was made and Recorder of Liverpool Judge Clement Goldstone QC remanded Burke in custody until February 19, when he is expected to enter a plea.

A provisional trial date was set for July 2.

Andrew Burke, 30, has been charged with murder (Image: Facebook)

Burke, of Vincent Street, St Helens, stared straight ahead during the hearing and didn't show any visible emotion as he was led to the cells, the Liverpool Echo reports.

A post-mortem examination showed Ms Hayes' cause of death was shock and haemorrhaging as a result of the throat wound.

Former partner tells daughter her mum is dead

Meanwhile Ms Hayes' former partner, Leah McDonald, 31, has described the heartbreaking moment she told their daughter, Ruby, her mum had died.

Ms Hayes' daughter asked why she has gone to heaven without her (Image: Leah Mcdonald)

She said Ruby broke down in tears when she was told Ms Hayes had gone to heaven - and even asked why her mum had gone without her.

Ms McDonald wrote on Facebook: "As if my heart couldn't break anymore having to watch my little girl break down crying as I tell her that mammy has gone with her nana to the angels, telling her she’s never going to see her again.

"Ruby asking why did she go without her?? Mammy was my best friend, mummy I love her so much. What me and Ruby are gunna do now I have no idea, our little world is shattered - like she said me you and mammy were best friends!"

Ms Hayes worked at a Tui travel agency in Southport (Image: Facebook)

Her brother Ryan told the Liverpool Echo: "Ruby has lost a huge part of her future. She doted on Cassie, as did Cassie on her - they were two peas in a pod.

"Ruby is not yet five and she's lost three people very close to her, her granddad, her nana and now her mammy.

"The main thing now is her and her mum, sister and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with anyone connected to Cassie in any way."